Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and associated Aquatic Disciplines on the island of Ireland. Swim Ireland’s Head Office is based at Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 with circa 110 employees between Head Office, Sean Mac and Askeaton Swimming Pools and the Pop Up Pools. For further information, please see our website at www.swimireland.ie
It is an incredibly exciting time for Swim Ireland as we continue to embark on a period of significant expansion. We continue to make preparations for integrating Para Swimming and dedicating more resources to support our Clubs. Following the launch of the National Swimming Strategy in late 2024, which aims to actively promote and develop swimming opportunities, we have significantly expanded our workforce to include local swimming activators and other exciting positions within DEIB and Programme Development that will help us achieve our mission.
Additionally, we have expanded our operations with both the Pop-Up Pools and our fixed pool locations in Sean MacDermott Street, Dublin 1 and Askeaton, Limerick, providing even more opportunities for communities to engage in swimming activities.
We are currently recruiting for a Safeguarding Officer (part-time) to join our dynamic team. The post-holder will ensure effective support of safeguarding, ethics and youth development processes, while also supporting compliance, reporting, and case management in line with Swim Ireland’s policies and standards.
Swim Ireland’s selection process aims to ensure that we get the right people recruited into the right role. We want to ensure that you have the best opportunity to display your skills and experience. Swim Ireland has identified Core Values that we consider to be integral to delivering exceptional service to our stakeholders. These Core Values are
• Skills, Professionalism, Knowledge
• Wellbeing & Inclusivity
• Integrity and Excellence in Governance
• My Passion, Our Vision
• Teamwork & Collaboration
If selected for interview, you will be provided with a candidate support pack giving you information and guidance on the selection process.
Job Description
Role Title: Safeguarding Officer – working in the Safeguarding Department responsible for athlete welfare & protection.
Reports To: Head of Safeguarding, Ethics and Youth Development
Location: Hybrid, office location Irish Sports HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Hours: Part-time (22-25 hours per week)
Purpose of the Role
This role provides the opportunity to work with and support one of the most experienced Safeguarding leads in Irish sport. Reporting to Dr Kate Hills, the Swim Ireland Head of Safeguarding, Ethics and Youth Development, while also working collaboratively with the Clubs Team and other departments. The post-holder will ensure effective support of safeguarding, ethics, and youth development processes, while also supporting compliance, reporting, and case management in line with Swim Ireland’s policies and standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Safeguarding, Ethics & Youth Development (specialised support)
Support the Head of Safeguarding, Ethics and Youth Development in the development and administration of safeguarding, ethics, and child/youth, adult and paralympic welfare policies and processes.
Assist with the management of the case management tool, including logging, tracking, and preparing case documentation.
Oversee compliance with the Risk Assessment and Children’s Safeguarding Statement and associated compliance documents for affiliated clubs and Swim Ireland departments.
Provide support for complaints and issues handling and safeguarding referrals, escalating complex matters to the Head of Department.
Support the Swim Ireland vetting processes as a Liaison Person, managing the the review of applications and disclosures escalating referrals to the Head of Department.
Assist with specific safeguarding programmes run by the department including record keeping and feedback evaluation.
Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation, policies and Swim Ireland’s Safeguarding Standards.
Provide support from time to time with regard to compliancy checks, working with the Clubs team to ensure safeguarding standards are met and recorded.
Provide coordination between the Clubs team and the Safeguarding department to streamline case management and club compliance queries.
2. Other
Facilitate and administrate quarterly liaison between Safeguarding department and other departments, e.g. Participations, Performance, Competitions etc team to gather safeguarding-related insights and identify gaps or needs.
Maintain accurate databases, contact lists, and records related to safeguarding.
Support the day-to-day administration of the Department (e.g., scheduling, correspondence, record keeping).
Person Specification
Essential
Knowledge and experience of safeguarding and child protection legislation and working with safeguarding concerns
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams.
Strong administrative experience with excellent organisational and IT skills with an attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
Desirable
Experience in safeguarding management, youth development, or social work.
Knowledge of implementation of safeguarding standards, and compliance frameworks.
Previous experience in sport or membership organisations.
Key Relationships
Head of Safeguarding, Ethics and Youth Development
Clubs Team
Club Children’s Officers (CCOs)
External safeguarding partners, e.g. Sport Ireland, Child Protection in Sport Unit
Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:
Safeguarding and vetting requirements; and reference checks.
Applications should include a Cover letter and CV.
Closing date for applications is 6th March 2026 @ 12pm with interviews to take place the week of 16th March.
At Swim Ireland, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every element in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate to for this or other roles. Swim Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.